Routes · Oceania

Lima to the Cook Islands: Rarotonga and Aitutaki

Lima → Rarotonga → Aitutaki

Lagoons & Polynesian culture Best season (general guide): May–Oct

The Cook Islands are a group of Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, with lagoons, mountains and a relaxed island culture. This route spends four nights on Rarotonga and three on Aitutaki. From Lima you'll connect through Auckland or Los Angeles.

How to pace it: Spend days one to four on Rarotonga: day one, Muri lagoon; day two, Cross-Island Track; day three, Punanga Nui market and culture; day four, snorkel and lagoon day. Then spend days five to seven on Aitutaki: day five, fly to Aitutaki; day six, lagoon cruise and One Foot Island; day seven, snorkelling and a slow day on the lagoon.

Rarotonga is the main island, with a ring road that takes less than an hour to drive around. Muri lagoon, on the south-east coast, is shallow and clear, good for snorkelling and kayaking.

The Cross-Island Track climbs to Te Rua Manga, a rock spire called the Needle. The Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings sells food, crafts and music.

A short flight takes you to Aitutaki, whose lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the Pacific. Lagoon cruises stop at small islands, or motu, including One Foot Island.

May to October is the cooler, drier season and the best time. The cyclone season runs from November to April.

Island nights, held at several resorts and cultural centres, feature drumming, dancing and local food. Rarotonga's lagoon is protected by a reef, and snorkelling is easy from many beaches. On Aitutaki, life is even slower, with a few small shops and cafés. The colours of the lagoon change throughout the day, from pale turquoise to deep blue. Scooters can be hired on both islands for exploring at your own pace.

Good to know: Rarotonga has a round-island bus, and scooters and bikes are popular. Many shops close on Sundays, when church services with singing welcome visitors.

Pack reef shoes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, and carry some cash for small shops and market stalls, as card machines are not everywhere.

Book the Aitutaki flight early, as seats on the small planes are limited.

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